Three guys, two African-American and one Polish, work on the production line in a Detroit automobile factory, and they are fed-up with the conditions. It dawns on them that their workers' union is doing them no greater good than their… MoreThree guys, two African-American and one Polish, work on the production line in a Detroit automobile factory, and they are fed-up with the conditions. It dawns on them that their workers' union is doing them no greater good than their screwed-up bosses. So the trio pulls off a clumsy robbery at union HQ, in which they only gain access to some suspicious documents that point to union links with organized crime. Suddenly they're out of their league: violence, paranoia, rivarly, and recrimination erupt around them.

Director Paul Schrader's film explores a little of what was wrong with the working class in the late '70s. Inflation, unemployment, corruption and… MoreDirector Paul Schrader's film explores a little of what was wrong with the working class in the late '70s. Inflation, unemployment, corruption and how floorworkers in the auto-industry were continually fucked over. The film gives platform to a rock solid performance by Richard Pryor, which always seems to go unmentioned when most reflect on his career.
This is a heist film that shows who is really being robbed. This is not a pro-union film such as Norma Rae. Here, the Union is inaffective and indifferent, at first, until truths are exposed as the story develops. Richard Pryor, Harvey Keitel and Yaphet Kotto don't really come off as romanticized or even as anti-heroes, since their characters do drugs, cheat on their wives and commit petty crimes. When one of those petty crimes reveals more than expected, "THE MAN" works harder at tearing them apart than having them unite. Gritty character drama that deserves a little more recognition.
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Danny Rovira

A Powerhouse drama, and a especially impressive directorial debut for Paul Schrader that is intelligent and well observed, about three Detroit automobile… MoreA Powerhouse drama, and a especially impressive directorial debut for Paul Schrader that is intelligent and well observed, about three Detroit automobile workers played by Richard Pryor, Harvey Keitel and Yaphet Kotto, who all give extraordinary dramatic performances, the three friends find bills piling up and pressures bearing down on them, they decide to rob their corrupt union office. The trio end up empty handed with no money, but fine a suspicious ledger that links the union with organized crime, they try to blackmail the union for cash for the return of the ledger, and find that they are out of their league. Suddenly a once loyal friendship turns to paranoia, betrayal, and murder. A serious underrated classic and one of the last Hollywood films to exploring the lives of the working class. Highly Recommend.

cody franklin

Powerful first film from writer Paul Schrader, and his best film to date. It's a good story that is carried by powerful performances by it's three… MorePowerful first film from writer Paul Schrader, and his best film to date. It's a good story that is carried by powerful performances by it's three main actors. Keitel is good, but you've seen him do better. Kotto and Pryor are flawless, and they carry this movie. It's about three auto workers who decide to steal from their union and how it affects their lives and friendship afterwards. What really makes this film different is that most of it is a comedy and then it turns dark real fast. It's a hard to find film, but if you get a chance watch it you wont regret it. Again I have to give it up to Kotto and Pryor for their comic and dramatic performance.

Anthony Lawrie

Richard Pryor in unfamiliar territory in a very serious role but brilliantly executed. Blue Collar is both Gritty and kick ass, a great slice of late 70?s life… MoreRichard Pryor in unfamiliar territory in a very serious role but brilliantly executed. Blue Collar is both Gritty and kick ass, a great slice of late 70?s life and an overlooked American classic!

Stephen Earnest

"Blue Collar" proves yet again that Paul Schrader is one of the greatest, most underrated film makers out there; a man whose films are so consistently… More"Blue Collar" proves yet again that Paul Schrader is one of the greatest, most underrated film makers out there; a man whose films are so consistently overlooked that it seems almost intentional. "Blue Collar" is the result of Schrader's excellence in writing and directing, and the performances that he musters from actors Keitel, Pryor and Kotto do his script a whole lot of justice. His film isn't as much a lesson in how to break free of the chains that blue collar workers find themselves in as much as it is a study in what living in those chains is like. It's tense and honest American film making, and it strikes a chord.

Jason Reneau

A gritty, and brutally honest look at a Detroit automobile factory and their union.
The cast in this film is remarkable, its three leads Harvey Keitel, Yaphet… MoreA gritty, and brutally honest look at a Detroit automobile factory and their union.
The cast in this film is remarkable, its three leads Harvey Keitel, Yaphet Kotto, and Richard Pryor really hit it on all cylinders as down on their luck line workers and friends who devise a plan to get back at their Union by robbing their vault. What unfolds is a story of corruption, betrayal, and murder and it is done in such a way that makes for one hell of a good movie.

Lesley N

Surprisingly good and gritty 70's drama about three carworkers, Yaphet Kotto, Harvey Keitel, & a straight-playing Richard Prior, trying to stick it to… MoreSurprisingly good and gritty 70's drama about three carworkers, Yaphet Kotto, Harvey Keitel, & a straight-playing Richard Prior, trying to stick it to the man/company/union. .

Brian R

Paul Schrader's debut picture and his first masterpiece. Although Schrader did have a very difficult time directing and breaking down his self esteem on… MorePaul Schrader's debut picture and his first masterpiece. Although Schrader did have a very difficult time directing and breaking down his self esteem on set. Yaphet Kotto, Harvey Keitel, Richard Pryor are all brilliant. Showing the audiences the tough and stressful signs at working at a big automobile factory leading up to the nasty rat race in the workforce.

Christopher Brown

Paul Schrader's amazing debut starts out like a buddy comedy and turns into one of the most brutal films about the working class I've ever seen.… MorePaul Schrader's amazing debut starts out like a buddy comedy and turns into one of the most brutal films about the working class I've ever seen. It's hard to believe the cast, who worked so well together, despised one another. Pryor's greatest performance as well. Awesome.